Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone.

Acting without design, occupying oneself without making a business of it, finding the great in what is small and the many in the few, repaying injury with kindness, effecting difficult things while they are easy, and managing great things in their beginnings; this is the method of Tao.

He who prides himself upon wealth and honor hastens his own downfall.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.

Does one scent appeal more than another? Do you prefer this flavor, or that feeling? Is your practice sacred and your work profane? Then your mind is separated: from itself, from oneness, from the Tao.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.

Kindness in thinking creates profundity. Kindness in giving creates love.